jdhmnovel Chapter 113 The United States and Japan disagree
Chapter 113 The United States and Japan disagree
Seeing the situation escalating, the American envoy quickly stepped in to mediate again: "Your Highness, please calm down. I think it would be better if we sent the Japanese envoy back to report to the Emperor as soon as possible and give everyone a satisfactory answer. What do you think?"
Gu Liuli and Jia Xiaoyan naturally understood what the United States meant by that. Going back to report would be like letting a tiger return to the mountain.
The Japanese envoy abruptly turned to look at Gu Liuli, his eyes filled with ferocity, as if he wanted to devour her alive. He never expected that this seemingly delicate woman would be so bold, daring to mention the "Dance of the Hem" that had caused him to lose face at this crucial moment.
"You...you mustn't spout nonsense!" The Japanese envoy's voice trembled slightly with anger as he pointed at Gu Liuli. "How dare you, a mere woman, act so presumptuously in this imperial court!"
Gu Liuli showed no fear whatsoever. She straightened her back and calmly replied, "Why should the envoy be angry? The whole world knows about this bet. You dared to agree to it back then, so why don't you dare to admit it now?"
The surrounding ministers nodded in agreement with Gu Liuli's words.
For a moment, the Japanese envoy felt uneasy under the gaze of everyone. He subconsciously looked at the American envoy, hoping that the other party could step in to help him out of the predicament again.
The American envoy coughed lightly, about to speak, but was coldly interrupted by Crown Prince Xiao Jingchuan: "American envoy, this matter arose because of Japan. Let the Japanese envoy explain his own situation first."
The American envoy opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed his words, a slightly embarrassed smile appearing on his face.
That night, the two groups held small meetings in their respective rooms. Inside the palace, Xiao Jingchuan, Gu Liuli, and some ministers sat together.
One of the older ministers stepped forward, looking worried, and said, “Your Majesty, if we let them go back this time, we might as well release a tiger back into the mountains! Japan and the United States are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They had ulterior motives in making this bet. If we let them go easily, they will surely come back and cause endless trouble in the future!”
Another minister chimed in, "Indeed, Your Majesty. In my opinion, we should detain the envoys from these two countries and make them send a message back home, telling them that they shouldn't expect to bring the people back unless they fulfill the bet!"
Xiao Jingchuan frowned slightly, lost in thought. He knew this matter was of great importance; if handled improperly, it would not only damage the prestige of the Nanzhao Kingdom but could also trigger an even larger war.
At this moment, Gu Liuli said softly, "Father, I have an idea. We can pretend to let them go back first, so that they will lower their guard."
At the same time, we secretly strengthened border defenses and placed spies along their likely route home, so that we could prepare in advance should they harbor any ill intentions.
Xiao Jingchuan looked at Gu Liuli, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Liuli, what you said makes sense. However, there is also a great risk involved. If they find out, it may backfire."
Xiao Han pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness, although the Crown Princess's plan is risky, it is still a feasible method. We can send more people to infiltrate Japan and the United States to gather more intelligence. Only by knowing ourselves and our enemy can we be sure of success."
The discussion was quite heated, with everyone chiming in. In the end, Xiao Han made a decision: "Let's do as Gu Liuli said and let them go back first. But border defense and intelligence gathering work must begin immediately without any slackening!"
In the other room, the atmosphere was oppressive and suffocating. The American envoy sat in a chair, his brow furrowed, his fingers rhythmically tapping the table, making a "tap-tap" sound, as if deep in thought. The Japanese envoy paced back and forth in the room, his face filled with anxiety and resentment.
"This bet absolutely cannot be dropped! I would rather die than dance that 'Dance of the Robe'! If word gets back, what will become of the Emperor's face? I'll lose my life!" The Japanese envoy suddenly stopped and shouted at the American envoy.
The envoy from the United States raised his head, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Do you think I wanted this? But the situation is what it is now. The Nanzhao Kingdom is pressing us step by step, and we have to find a way to deal with it! If you don't honor the bet, they will definitely not let it go!"
"I can't make you dance that shameful dance!" The Japanese envoy crossed his arms, his attitude resolute. "Isn't your United States powerful? Think of a solution, instead of just making sarcastic remarks!"
The American envoy stood up, his face grim: "What do you mean by that? You were the one who agreed to this bet, and now that there's a problem, you want to shift the blame to us? Let me tell you, if this isn't handled properly, it won't benefit either of our countries!"
The two refused to back down, and their argument grew louder and louder. The Japanese envoy, his face flushed with anger and veins bulging on his forehead, shouted, "I don't care! I absolutely cannot dance that dance! It's better to fight to the death! Japan is not to be trifled with!"
"A fight to the death? Do you think you have the strength to do that?" The American envoy sneered. "I've heard that the Nanzhao Kingdom has a very powerful crossbow in Ningguta. If we rashly start a war with them, the outcome is uncertain. In that case, your Japan might be the first to be destroyed!"
Upon hearing this, the Japanese envoy trembled slightly, a hint of fear appearing on his face. He knew in his heart that the American envoy was telling the truth. But to be forced to perform that "cloak dance" was worse than death for him.
"Then...then what do you suggest we do?" The Japanese envoy's voice weakened, his eyes filled with helplessness.
The American envoy sat back down in his chair, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Let's calm down and plan carefully. I think that although the Tiansheng Dynasty is taking a tough stance, they don't want to start a war easily. We can buy some time and at the same time try to get them to agree to let us go back and strengthen our power."
"Delay time? How can I delay? Do I have no choice but to jump?" the Japanese envoy asked in confusion.
"Just say you'll go back and discuss it with your country. Let's postpone this bet for now. As for the dance, you must keep your promise. I'll personally explain it to your Emperor later!"
A sly glint flashed in the eyes of the American envoy. “During this time, we have been strengthening our own defenses on the one hand, and sending people to contact other foreign states on the other hand to see if any are willing to join us in fighting against the Nanzhao Kingdom.”
The Japanese envoy hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded: "That's the only way. However, you must keep your word. If anything goes wrong this time, Japan will not let it go!"
The American envoy snorted coldly: "Don't worry, I'm even less willing to let anything happen than you are. We're all in the same boat now, we share the same fate, we share the same fate."
The two have reached a temporary consensus.
The next day, under Gu Liuli's insistence, the Japanese envoy finally gritted his teeth and agreed to wear a blouse and dance.
The brightly colored and oddly styled blouse looked out of place on him, and his face turned bright red, his eyes filled with humiliation and anger.